Spanish Republicans celebrate after abdication

Protesters look at a fake guillotine during an anti-royalist demonstration at the town hall square in Valencia, June 2, 2014. Credit: Reuters

Anti-monarchist demonstrations have sprung up across Spain in the wake of King Juan Carlos I's abdication announcement.

People take part in an anti-monarchist demonstration at Madrid's landmark Puerta del Sol Square. Credit: Reuters

Juan Carlos has been on the throne for 39 years and was a hero to many for shepherding Spain's democratic and economic transformation.

However, his popularity big blow following royal scandals, including a 2012 elephant-shooting trip he took at the height of Spain's financial crisis during which he broke his right hip and had to be flown from Botswana to Spain aboard a private jet for medical treatment.

Women hold hands while they walk holding a Republican flag after taking part in an anti-royalist demonstration in Ronda, near Malaga. Credit: Reuters